Women’s participation in decision-making is essential for strengthening environmental governance. Since 1972, the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) has played a pivotal role in promoting the environmental rule of law and supporting countries in developing and implementing effective environmental legislation. Evidence shows that greater representation of women in political and institutional leadership is linked to improved environmental outcomes, stronger accountability, and more inclusive policy processes. Yet, women remain underrepresented: in six out of nine global decision-making processes assessed by UNEP and IUCN, women hold less than one-third of leadership positions.
In this context, the webinar Female Perspectives on International Environmental Law will bring together a diverse panel of women leaders to share experiences related to the development, implementation and enforcement of international environmental law. Participants will explore challenges and barriers faced by female professionals, reflect on leadership and outcomes, and exchange views on pathways to strengthen gender-responsive environmental governance.
Targeted to female environmental law practitioners, law students, Montevideo Programme V national focal points from the Caribbean, and gender focal points of the Forum of Ministers of Environment of Latin America and the Caribbean, the session will foster dialogue, showcase evidence-based insights, and promote collaboration across sectors.
Objective
- Showcase gender perspectives through the experiences of female negotiators, judges, researchers and UN officials.
- Identify barriers and opportunities for increased inclusion of women in international environmental negotiations, jurisprudence and policymaking.
- Facilitate cross-sectoral dialogue on practical strategies to integrate gender into environmental governance.
- Promote evidence-based understanding of how women’s participation strengthens environmental outcomes.
- Encourage networking among women working in environmental law.
- Increase visibility of the Montevideo Programme V.
More about this event:
